Former Iowa State women's basketball star Audi Crooks will play for Big 12 rival Oklahoma State next season.
The Cyclones All-American and nation’s leading scorer has committed to the Cowgirls out of the transfer portal, sources confirmed to USA TODAY Sports on April 20.
Crooks later posted the news herself on her Instagram with a slideshow of her in Oklahoma State gear and a caption containing orange hearts and a cowboy hat emoji.
Widely viewed as the top target out of more than 1,500 players in this year’s transfer portal, Crooks was a two-time All-American and three-time All-Big 12 selection across three seasons at Iowa State. This past season, she led the nation in scoring with 25.8 points per game and also averaged 7.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.
Mar 21, 2026; Storrs, CT, USA; Iowa State Cyclones center Audi Crooks (55) shoots the ball against the Syracuse Orange in the first half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn ImagesMar 21, 2026; Storrs, CT, USA; Iowa State Cyclones center Audi Crooks (55) reacts after her basket against Syracuse Orange center Uche Izoje (44) in the first half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn ImagesIowa State Cyclones' center Audi Crooks (55) shoots the ball over Oklahoma State Cowgirls forward Achol Akot (11) during the second quarter in the senior day women basketball at Hilton Coliseum on February. 25, 2026, in Ames, Iowa.Iowa State Cyclones' center Audi Crooks (55) goes for a shot around Oklahoma State Cowgirls forward Achol Akot (11) and guard Stailee Heard (32) during the first quarter in the senior day women basketball at Hilton Coliseum on February. 25, 2026, in Ames, Iowa.Iowa State Cyclones' center Audi Crooks (55) shoots the ball around Arizona State Sun Devils guard Gabby Elliott (0) during the third quarter in the Big-12 women’s basketball at Hilton Coliseum on Feb. 18, 2026, in Ames, IowaIowa State Cyclones' center Audi Crooks (55) reacts after a score against Kansas State during the second quarter in the Big-12 conference women’s basketball on Feb. 15, 2026, at Hilton Coliseum, in Ames, Iowa.Bishop Garrigan senior Audi Crooks (55) places her team on the official bracket after defeating Martensdale-St. Marys during the class 1A quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals of the the Iowa high school girls state basketball tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. The Golden Bears defeated the Blue Devils, 67-43.Bishop Garrigan's Audi Crooks (55) reacts after they lost to Newell-Fonda 65-63 during their 1A state championship basketball game at Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday, March 7, 2020, in Des Moines.Bishop Garrigan's Audi Crooks (55) goes up for a shot during their 1A state championship basketball game at Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday, March 7, 2020, in Des Moines. Bishop Garrigan takes a 33-30 lead over Newell-Fonda into halftime.Bishop Garrigan's Audi Crooks (55) goes up for a shot during their 1A state championship basketball game at Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday, March 7, 2020, in Des Moines. Bishop Garrigan takes a 33-30 lead over Newell-Fonda into halftime.Bishop Garrigan sophomore Audi Crooks powers her way to the basket in the first quarter against BCLUW in their Class 1A regional final game on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, at Mason City High School.Bishop Garrigan sophomore Audi Crooks powers her way to the basket in the first quarter against BCLUW in their Class 1A regional final game on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, at Mason City High School.Bishop Garrigan sophomore Audi Crooks fires a shot in the first quarter against BCLUW in their Class 1A regional final game on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, at Mason City High School.Burlington Notre Dame's Gabby Deery, left, and Bishop Garrigan's Audi Crooks reach for a rebound during the Iowa high school girls state basketball tournament at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.Bishop Garrigan's Audi Crooks pulls down a rebound against Burlington Notre Dame during the Iowa high school girls state basketball tournament at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.Bishop Garrigan's Audi Crooks finished the game with 32 points against Burlington Notre Dame during the Iowa high school girls state basketball tournament at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.Bishop Garrigan center Audi Crooks (55) finds out that she broke a scoring record for the class 1A tournament during the post game interview after defeating Martensdale-St. Mary’s during the class 1A quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals of the the Iowa high school girls state basketball tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. The Golden Bears defeated the Blue Devils, 67-43.Bishop Garrigan's Audi Crooks (55) kisses the Class 1A Iowa girls state basketball championship trophy after defeating Newell-Fonda, on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.Iowa State Cyclones center Audi Crooks (55) goes to the basket against Drake during the fourth quarter at Knapp Center on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa.Iowa State Cyclones center Audi Crooks (55) looks for a shot around North Dakota St Bison guard Abby Schulte (24) during the first half of an NCAA women's basketball at Hilton Coliseum on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Ames, Iowa.Audi Crooks stands for a photo during Iowa State women's basketball media day in Ames, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023.Iowa State Cyclones center Audi Crooks (55) takes a shot against Northern Iowa Panthers during the first quarter of a NCAA women's basketball at Hilton Coliseum on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, in Ames, Iowa.Iowa State's Audi Crooks, left, celebrates with Addy Brown after a game-winning shot against Drake at Hilton Coliseum on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.Audi Crooks stands for a photo during Iowa State Women’s Basketball media day at Hilton Coliseum, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024.Iowa State Cyclones' center Audi Crooks (55) takes a shot between Southern Lady Jaguars's center Tionna Lidge (23) and guard Aleighyah Fontenot (2) during the second quarter in the NCAA women’s basketball at Hilton Coliseum on Sunday Nov. 10, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.Iowa State basketball player Audi Crooks signs autographs during a youth basketball camp at Bishop Garrigan High School on Monday, July 22, 2024 in Algona.Iowa State Cyclones center Audi Crooks (55) takes a shot between West Virginia Mountaineers guard Jordan Harrison (10) and forward Kylee Blacksten (14) during the third quarter in the Big-12 conference matchup at Hilton Coliseum on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.Mar 12, 2024; Kansas City, MO, USA; Iowa State Cyclones center Audi Crooks (55) shoots the ball while defended by Texas Longhorns forward Taylor Jones (44) during the first half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-USA TODAY SportsIowa State Cyclones guard Emily Ryan (11), forward Addy Brown (24), center Audi Crooks (55), and guard Kelsey Joens (23) celebrate after winning 74-64 over West Virginia in the Big-12 conference matchup at Hilton Coliseum on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.Iowa State Cyclones' Audi Crooks (55) looks for pass as St. Thomas Tommies guard Abbey Vallance (22) and forward Savannah McGowan (52) defend during the first quarter in the season-opener on Nov. 3, 2025, at Hilton Coliseum in Ames.Iowa State's Audi Crooks (55) looks to the basket against Drake’s Maggie Taylor (15) on Nov. 20, 2025, at the Knapp Center in Des Moines.Iowa State's Audi Crooks (55) shoots a layup against Drake on Nov. 20, 2025, at the Knapp Center in Des Moines.The 2025 Iowa High School Sports Awards show was held on June 12, 2025 in Des Moines. More than 300 athletes were honored from across the state, including Players of the Year in 22 sports. Iowa State women's basketball star Audi Crooks was the guest speaker.The 2025 Iowa High School Sports Awards show was held on June 12, 2025 in Des Moines. More than 300 athletes were honored from across the state, including Players of the Year in 22 sports. Iowa State women's basketball star Audi Crooks was the guest speaker.Audi Crooks stands for a photo during Iowa State Women's Basketball media day in Ames, Oct. 16, 2025.Iowa State Cyclones' guard Jada Williams (8), guard Evangelia Paulk (5) and center Audi Crooks (55) celebrates after a score against Cincinnati Bearcats during the fourth quarter in the Big-12 women’s basketball on Jan. 21, 2026, at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa.1 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starMar 21, 2026; Storrs, CT, USA; Iowa State Cyclones center Audi Crooks (55) shoots the ball against the Syracuse Orange in the first half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images1 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starMar 21, 2026; Storrs, CT, USA; Iowa State Cyclones center Audi Crooks (55) shoots the ball against the Syracuse Orange in the first half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images2 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starMar 21, 2026; Storrs, CT, USA; Iowa State Cyclones center Audi Crooks (55) reacts after her basket against Syracuse Orange center Uche Izoje (44) in the first half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images3 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starIowa State Cyclones' center Audi Crooks (55) shoots the ball over Oklahoma State Cowgirls forward Achol Akot (11) during the second quarter in the senior day women basketball at Hilton Coliseum on February. 25, 2026, in Ames, Iowa.4 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starIowa State Cyclones' center Audi Crooks (55) goes for a shot around Oklahoma State Cowgirls forward Achol Akot (11) and guard Stailee Heard (32) during the first quarter in the senior day women basketball at Hilton Coliseum on February. 25, 2026, in Ames, Iowa.5 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starIowa State Cyclones' center Audi Crooks (55) shoots the ball around Arizona State Sun Devils guard Gabby Elliott (0) during the third quarter in the Big-12 women’s basketball at Hilton Coliseum on Feb. 18, 2026, in Ames, Iowa6 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starIowa State Cyclones' center Audi Crooks (55) reacts after a score against Kansas State during the second quarter in the Big-12 conference women’s basketball on Feb. 15, 2026, at Hilton Coliseum, in Ames, Iowa.7 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starBishop Garrigan senior Audi Crooks (55) places her team on the official bracket after defeating Martensdale-St. Marys during the class 1A quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals of the the Iowa high school girls state basketball tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. The Golden Bears defeated the Blue Devils, 67-43.8 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starBishop Garrigan's Audi Crooks (55) reacts after they lost to Newell-Fonda 65-63 during their 1A state championship basketball game at Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday, March 7, 2020, in Des Moines.9 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starBishop Garrigan's Audi Crooks (55) goes up for a shot during their 1A state championship basketball game at Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday, March 7, 2020, in Des Moines. Bishop Garrigan takes a 33-30 lead over Newell-Fonda into halftime.10 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starBishop Garrigan's Audi Crooks (55) goes up for a shot during their 1A state championship basketball game at Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday, March 7, 2020, in Des Moines. Bishop Garrigan takes a 33-30 lead over Newell-Fonda into halftime.11 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starBishop Garrigan sophomore Audi Crooks powers her way to the basket in the first quarter against BCLUW in their Class 1A regional final game on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, at Mason City High School.12 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starBishop Garrigan sophomore Audi Crooks powers her way to the basket in the first quarter against BCLUW in their Class 1A regional final game on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, at Mason City High School.13 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starBishop Garrigan sophomore Audi Crooks fires a shot in the first quarter against BCLUW in their Class 1A regional final game on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, at Mason City High School.14 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starBurlington Notre Dame's Gabby Deery, left, and Bishop Garrigan's Audi Crooks reach for a rebound during the Iowa high school girls state basketball tournament at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.15 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starBishop Garrigan's Audi Crooks pulls down a rebound against Burlington Notre Dame during the Iowa high school girls state basketball tournament at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.16 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starBishop Garrigan's Audi Crooks finished the game with 32 points against Burlington Notre Dame during the Iowa high school girls state basketball tournament at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.17 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starBishop Garrigan center Audi Crooks (55) finds out that she broke a scoring record for the class 1A tournament during the post game interview after defeating Martensdale-St. Mary’s during the class 1A quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals of the the Iowa high school girls state basketball tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. The Golden Bears defeated the Blue Devils, 67-43.18 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starBishop Garrigan's Audi Crooks (55) kisses the Class 1A Iowa girls state basketball championship trophy after defeating Newell-Fonda, on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.19 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starIowa State Cyclones center Audi Crooks (55) goes to the basket against Drake during the fourth quarter at Knapp Center on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa.20 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starIowa State Cyclones center Audi Crooks (55) looks for a shot around North Dakota St Bison guard Abby Schulte (24) during the first half of an NCAA women's basketball at Hilton Coliseum on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Ames, Iowa.21 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starAudi Crooks stands for a photo during Iowa State women's basketball media day in Ames, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023.22 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starIowa State Cyclones center Audi Crooks (55) takes a shot against Northern Iowa Panthers during the first quarter of a NCAA women's basketball at Hilton Coliseum on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, in Ames, Iowa.23 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starIowa State's Audi Crooks, left, celebrates with Addy Brown after a game-winning shot against Drake at Hilton Coliseum on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.24 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starAudi Crooks stands for a photo during Iowa State Women’s Basketball media day at Hilton Coliseum, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024.25 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starIowa State Cyclones' center Audi Crooks (55) takes a shot between Southern Lady Jaguars's center Tionna Lidge (23) and guard Aleighyah Fontenot (2) during the second quarter in the NCAA women’s basketball at Hilton Coliseum on Sunday Nov. 10, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.26 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starIowa State basketball player Audi Crooks signs autographs during a youth basketball camp at Bishop Garrigan High School on Monday, July 22, 2024 in Algona.27 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starIowa State Cyclones center Audi Crooks (55) takes a shot between West Virginia Mountaineers guard Jordan Harrison (10) and forward Kylee Blacksten (14) during the third quarter in the Big-12 conference matchup at Hilton Coliseum on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.28 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starMar 12, 2024; Kansas City, MO, USA; Iowa State Cyclones center Audi Crooks (55) shoots the ball while defended by Texas Longhorns forward Taylor Jones (44) during the first half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-USA TODAY Sports29 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starIowa State Cyclones guard Emily Ryan (11), forward Addy Brown (24), center Audi Crooks (55), and guard Kelsey Joens (23) celebrate after winning 74-64 over West Virginia in the Big-12 conference matchup at Hilton Coliseum on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.30 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starIowa State Cyclones' Audi Crooks (55) looks for pass as St. Thomas Tommies guard Abbey Vallance (22) and forward Savannah McGowan (52) defend during the first quarter in the season-opener on Nov. 3, 2025, at Hilton Coliseum in Ames.31 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starIowa State's Audi Crooks (55) looks to the basket against Drake’s Maggie Taylor (15) on Nov. 20, 2025, at the Knapp Center in Des Moines.32 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starIowa State's Audi Crooks (55) shoots a layup against Drake on Nov. 20, 2025, at the Knapp Center in Des Moines.33 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starThe 2025 Iowa High School Sports Awards show was held on June 12, 2025 in Des Moines. More than 300 athletes were honored from across the state, including Players of the Year in 22 sports. Iowa State women's basketball star Audi Crooks was the guest speaker.34 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starThe 2025 Iowa High School Sports Awards show was held on June 12, 2025 in Des Moines. More than 300 athletes were honored from across the state, including Players of the Year in 22 sports. Iowa State women's basketball star Audi Crooks was the guest speaker.35 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starAudi Crooks stands for a photo during Iowa State Women's Basketball media day in Ames, Oct. 16, 2025.36 / 36See Audi Crooks' evolution from high school to Iowa State women's starIowa State Cyclones' guard Jada Williams (8), guard Evangelia Paulk (5) and center Audi Crooks (55) celebrates after a score against Cincinnati Bearcats during the fourth quarter in the Big-12 women’s basketball on Jan. 21, 2026, at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa.Crooks, a 6-foot-3 center, started 95 of the 99 games she played at Iowa State and was the team’s primary offensive weapon for three seasons. She used strength and skill to average 22.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game with the Cyclones.
The success earned Crooks a trio of All-American honors from The Associated Press, The Sporting News and USBWA this season. Crooks was also named the Big 12’s preseason player of the year.
The Algona native announced on April 2 that she would be entering the portal. Her departure was a huge setback as Iowa State lost a charismatic star who blossomed into a dominant scorer upon arriving in Ames.
"Thank you all for embracing me and showing up to Hilton every single game day," Crooks posted on social media on April 2. "I've met so many of you out in the community, and I will cherish all of the genuine connections that I've built during my time at Iowa State.
"Words cannot fully express how grateful I feel to have called this place home. I want to thank my teammates for their friendship and all the great memories.
"To my coaches and all the Iowa State staff, thank you for always supporting me.
"I still believe the grass is greener where you water it, and I've done that here. It's why I want you to hear it directly from me that I have decided to enter the transfer portal and explore what it means to take root again in new ground."
USA TODAY and the Register's Tommy Birch contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Former Iowa State star Audi Crooks to transfer to Oklahoma State